Quick Tip: Remove Layers of Paint or Varnish
Applying layer upon layer of paint, sealer or varnish will eventually spoil the finished look on wooden doors and window frames.
15/10/2019
When reapplying paint, sealer or varnish to wooden window frames and wooden door frames as part of your regular maintenance tasks, it is so easy to skip the sanding part before applying the new product. We all know how much work sanding can be and how long it can take to sand down wooden window and door frames, but after years and years or skipping the sanding part of the job will result in a thick and ugly layer of paint or varnish on the frames.
Every few years I prefer to sand right back to the original wood underneath all the layers. This process also lets me sand to remove any dings or scratches that have occured during the years, particular on the wooden door frames that form part of the sliding doors.
GOOD TO KNOW: All sliding doors can be removed from their tracks if you need to do some repair sanding or to apply paint, sealer or varnish. Simply lift up the door and angle the bottom out in order to remove from the tracks.
Once you have sanded back to the raw wood, you can then sand to smooth out any imperfections that will mar the finish. I generally sand with 80-grit to remove the layers and then go with 120-grit to get rid of dings and dents. After that, it's a quick sanding down with 180- or 240-grit to smooth the surface of the wood in preparation for reapplying paint, sealer or varnish.
You will find helpful and time-saving tips in this article about sanding, or read this article on saving money when sanding with a Bosch PSS 200 AC sander.
